Labour negotiations continue at Los Angeles and Long Beach ports

Contract talks between security workers and employers have continued beyond the latest deadline, temporarily averting the threat of strike action at several terminals.

Updated

Update: 05.11.2026

The contract negotiation deadline for approximately 250 port security workers represented by ILWU Local 26 has been extended until midnight Friday, according to Bloomberg.

The extension postpones the immediate strike risk, but industrial action could still disrupt operations at several terminals in Los Angeles and Long Beach if no agreement is reached. The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) said negotiations would continue on Friday with assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

According to the PMA, the affected terminals handle more than half of the two ports’ combined cargo.

The PMA has also warned that ILWU dockworkers and marine clerks are expected to support the security workers in the event of a strike, despite being covered by separate contracts and not being directly involved in the dispute.

Original article: 05.11.2026

According to Bloomberg, labour negotiations involving around 250 security workers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have continued beyond the latest contract deadline.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 represents watchmen working at terminals that handle more than half of the combined cargo volumes at the two Southern California ports, according to the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).

The parties had previously extended the negotiation deadline from Sunday to Wednesday. As reported by Bloomberg, the PMA confirmed on Wednesday evening that negotiations were continuing.

A potential strike could affect operations at several terminals across both ports. The PMA has also indicated that dockworkers and marine clerks, although covered by separate labor agreements and not directly involved in the dispute, could support the watchmen in the event of industrial action.

The previous labor contract expired in July 2025. Negotiations between the PMA and ILWU Local 26 have continued with assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

For now, negotiations remain ongoing and no strike action has been announced.

Source: Bloomberg